Letters to the Editor - Nov. 1, 2012 -- Part 2

Due to the large volume of election-related letters, Foster's Daily Democrat will be running some on the web only.

Cheney, Kittredge & Woods for Commissioners

Strafford County taxes need to be spent as wisely as our cities and towns spend it. If you want thrifty Commissioners,

you're going to have to vote for Catherine Cheney, "Mac" Kittredge, and Diane Wood... at least until they pay off that $17 million

loan ($ 8 million left to go!), that others took out in 2006, to avoid making Democrats look bad, for downshifting costs to cities in an election year.

David K. MartinDistrict 16 House CandidateDover,

Romney/Ryan for America!This Presidential election will mean more to our children/grandchildren than to us adults. The future will come quicker than we can imagine. For these reasons, all clear thinking voters must vote for Romney/Ryan on November 6. The country has been stuck in a malaise for the past four (4) years. Nothing that the present occupant of the white house has done will help the economy to grow in the next four (4) years and beyond. We will get the same old tired complaints and no accountability or responsibilty. The college graduates during the coming years will find it hard to get a good paying job and all of us will be paying higher and higher taxes.However, if we are thinking clearly and want the best for our children/grandchildren, we will go in the pro-growth direction and vote for Romney/Ryan. They have the right formula for America to grow and its citizens to succeed. They will open up our energy fields, overhaul the tax code to make it fair for everyone, and fix the health care system so that everyone is covered and premiums are affordable. Romney/Ryan will create millions of jobs here in America that our graduates seek and deserve. We are a great nation and should not accept low payng jobs, high gas prices, high taxes or a weakened military. This is not Europe. The current occupant of the White House is divisive. Romney/Ryan are inclusive. Lets get smart and vote for growth, prosperity and greatness. Vote for Romney/Ryan. I approved this message

Albert JohnstonDover

My wife, Claire, and I are Democrats who are voting for Mitt Romney for President.

Why?

Four years ago we voted for Obama. We thought he was the right choice for the challenges ahead in the economy, health care and foreign affairs. He was well educated, Harvard Law, a social worker in Chicago, a legislator and US senator, and a dynamic speaker. His campaign brought an upbeat spirit to the depressing time. His father was an absentee Muslim living in Kenya. As a boy he lived and went to school in Indonesia for a time. Obama reached out to Muslims to build working relationships, which failed because a major goal of Islam is world domination physically and spiritually not friendly relationships. We need firmness in dealing with Islam. For the first three years he played down support for Israel, but has now called Israel America's greatest ally in the recent debates. Obama Care is 1300 pages of rules and regulations which will inflate medical cost. Why not leave Medicare and Medicaid in place, they are working and can be adjusted tc the needs. The economy has recovered very slowly with too many still unemployed or underemployed. Where was the presidential leadership? We believe it has been lacking.Romney has a record of successful leadership in business, organizing the Utah winter Olympics, as a Republican Governor in one of the most Democratic states, Massachusetts. We believe these are the leadership skills needed in the White House, the ability to work with others. Romney has a positive plan to begin his administration. These are some of the basic reasons for voting for Romney. We believe he will provide positive leadership in the good and though times ahead.Please vote. Our Founding Fathers gave us a great gift of voting for our leaders from the local to national levels. Don't waste this great gift. And pray for America, for our leaders and to bring us together as: "one nation under God."Thank you for reading our letter. We hope it has been helpful to you.

Jay DeanDover

It was gratifying to read everyone's opinion and see a few that could be coming from a point of view where thinking the way I did was not unique to me only.An opinion is just that, an opinion! I believed that we needed to help whoever was president whenever possible, especially when our economy was in such dire straights, that good jobs were not available for anyone and our position in the world never more important.I have been subscribing to Page News and Courier the hometown paper for Luray, Va. Luray, home of the famous caverns and place where I graduated from high school, and the "singing tower" (carillon.)Much smaller than Harrisonburg, they appear more open minded with acceptance of everyone than does Harrisonburg's Daily News Record, paper for a large city.Also it appears to me that those wanting to be in control have been running a four year campaign capable of twisting everybody's mind and more recently with this voter ID to discourage already brainwashed Democrats from voting at all. Anything is fair game when it comes to winning at all costs.This feels to me like it goes above and beyond politics as usual when organizations are used to promote an agenda. They are taking advantage of the vulnerability of so many having to struggle in a difficult economy.It was good to see Barack was actually backed up for once by Romney instead of the usual "flip flopping" during a debate.Both are good Christian family men with good examples for the American people to emulate. It is just with one of them everything is tied to what the party dictates this person says, you can see that the other persons family and politics are where they both belong. Certain matters should be personal for the individual, choices that should not be dictated by a mantra, and controlled by that agenda.I realize I am probably too late with this, but I have been suffering with sciatica.I would be grateful if you took out any part of this letter so it didn't exceed this allowed number of word in order to print, if possible.You can easily cut out unecesary repetition for clarity

I had privilege of working with Representative Jones on a piece of legislation this past session and I was deeply impressed with her commitment to fairness, honesty and personal responsibility! Politicians are many, but statesmen are few.

You were wise to elect Laura Jones and I hope you will again!

Debbie JohnsonCampton

The misinformation in Mr Phillips letter deserves to be corrected.It is interesting that Mr Phillips, in his LTE Monday Oct 22, seems to have information only available to a very limited number of people, of which he is not legally a member. Those who know President Obama's Social Security number.

His quantitative adjectives describing the president's use of drugs back when he was a youth are clear editorializing, or pure exaggeration, and do not relate to any text in the president's books. See books by President Obama for confirmation.

As to college – student's records are available only to those to whom the student has granted specific permission. Parents do not receive any of the student's records unless the student agrees to release them. The president matriculated at Harvard Law School, and was editor of the Harvard Law Review. That is all the information to which the public has a right. College records are sealed to every one but the student. – answered before. It doesn't take any legal representation to prevent their release.

I can find no reference to any payment to Jeremiah Wright. Common sense would tell anyone that this is a nonsensical claim. If there are references to the contrary, please provide them.

The national day of prayer was not cancelled see: factcheck.org – “The bogus claim that Obama canceled the 2010 event is a warmed-over version of similar false claims that circulated last year. “http://www.factcheck.org/2010/04/national-day-of-prayer-still-on/

The first lady's staff: See: factcheck.org/2009/08/michelle-obamas-staff/“According to the 2009 White House report to Congress, there are 16 people with a title specifically indicating they work for Michelle Obama's office.”

Lelyveld said that Michelle Obama's staff was actually no different than that of her predecessor, Laura Bush. '[W]e have exactly the same staff number as Mrs. Bush and our office organization reflects a similar staffing model, so insinuations otherwise are wrong,'”

The sad part of Mr. Phillips' letter is that people might actually believe the misinformation.

Arthur BradburyDurham

Voters need to know why we can't elect Phyllis Woods, an avowed extremist on women's issues, to our State Senate. In the news magazine U. S. News & World Report, Phyllis Woods declared anti-abortion legislation her “singular mission” in running for the House. People in Portsmouth remember her activities against women and men seeking service at the health center. She sponsored the NH bill forcing young women to get a court ruling prior to an abortion that the United States Supreme Court rejected for not allowing a doctor to protect the woman's health. She voted against the NH bill to have contraception covered in health insurance plans.

Now Woods wants to bring this singular mission to the State Senate. She signed the Cornerstone Pledge, which places her at the forefront of efforts to pass eight bills restricting women's rights to make private decisions about their reproductive lives. And she supports the Republican platform which makes no exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother in making abortion illegal. We saw how extreme and divisive views on social issues in Concord ruined common sense legislation to provide jobs these past two years. David Watters believes women have a right to privacy and that politicians should keep out of our personal lives. He's my choice for state senator for District 4.

Janice S. GardnerDover

Romney Truly Cares About People The Town of Greenland suffered a terrible tragedy last April when our Police Chief was shot and killed. There was an outpouring of support from across the state and the country. While many are aware of this, there is another story of support and caring of which very few are aware. In late April, Mitt Romney visited the Greenland Police Station to pay his respects and show his support to our police officers and town officials. Although Governor Romney was in New Hampshire campaigning at that time, his visit was not about gaining political points. No members of the press were present. In fact, Governor Romney purposely dodged the press so that he could have a private meeting with the police officers and town officials. The public was not invited or even notified of the meeting. It was not a rushed meeting. Governor Romney took his time and spoke to everyone there individually. There was no political benefit to the Governor in making this stop. In fact, it probably cost him time when he could have made a public appearance. But Governor Romney took the time to do it anyway. This simple act shows Governor Romney's true character as a man who truly cares about others.Coleen PenachoGreenland

President Obama's Policies Wage the Real War On Women. President Obama would like you to believe that Mitt Romney will wage a war on women if he is elected, but it is President Obama's policies that are harming women right now. Over 92% of the jobs lost under President Obama's administration have been jobs held by women. The number of people living in poverty is at its highest rate in 19 years and women are hit particularly hard. There are 5 million more women than men living in poverty and 40% of the households headed by women are in poverty. Under the Obama Administration, the median household income has fallen while food costs have risen more than 8.5% and gas prices have more than doubled. These increases in the prices of basic necessities are especially hard on those living in poverty. Women working in the White House fare no better under the President's policies. While he claims to be the champion of equal pay for women, the President pays female staffers less than male staffers even when they are performing identical duties. There is other discrimination as well. One female staffer reported that she was left out of key meetings and described the Obama White House as a “hostile workplace”. Don't be fooled by the false claims of a Romney war on women. It is President Obama who is waging a war on women and we cannot afford four more years of it.Coleen PenachoGreenland

Will wonders never cease?Ernst Ketel visits a liberal,democrat,socialist website and discovers their disapproval of of my voting record and those of my Rochester Republican colleagues.After four years of Democrat control in Concord we were handed a budget that had been increased nearly 25% in only four years with an 800 million dollar deficit to boot.We did the logical thing and balanced the budget, how Tea Party of us!We voted for parental rights and the sanctity of life for unborn children, how Glenn Beckian of us!We voted to cut unnecessary and excessive regulations so as to encourage business and the creation of private sector jobs, how Jeffersonian,limited government,free market (ALEC) of us!Shame on on us for honoring our founding fathers and the wonderful Constitution they gave us.Thank you Granite State Progress for not liking my voting record. I wear it as a badge of honor.

Rep. Warren GroenRochester

I am supporting Audrey Stevens for State Representative, Ward 1, Rochester NH. Audrey is the kind of person that we want and need to represent us in Concord. She does not have a hidden political agenda and will work with both sides on tough issues to achieve results that are in the best interest of the citizens of Rochester and New Hampshire. Audrey will work to foster an environment to create jobs and prosperity to our Small Business Owners. In addition she understands the need to make college education more affordable to our children in New Hampshire. Also, being a military spouse for over 26 years she realizes the importance of taking care of our veterans.Audrey is a very passionate person and deeply cares for Rochester and this is very evident by the commitment and activities that she been involved in. She has served on the school board for over 8 years, member of the PTA, and past board member of the Lilac Family Fun Festival.Audrey is able to manage many things at one time and a perfect example of this is when I was deployed to Afghanistan. She cared for our children, served on the school board, worked at a Dental Office and organized a school supply drive for the children in Afghanistan.If elected, you can count on Audrey to research the issues, listen to constituents and then make inform decisions. There is no doubt that she will work hard for the residents of Rochester and I hope you will consider her worthy of your support and vote for her on November 6.

David StevensRochester

Wrong for Newmarket

Newmarket has a reputation of being a socially liberal and fiscally conservative community and a town that I was proud to represent in the Legislature during my seven terms in the New Hampshire House. My elected replacements in the House have taken actions and made votes that I believe are neither in Newmarket's best interests nor the interests of our state. For example, on issues affecting our local school system Rep. Davenport has voted for a moratorium on school building aid, lowering the dropout age, eliminating state funding for education, providing vouchers for religious schools, repealing anti-bullying laws, against Head Start and even repealing public kindergarten. Rep. Schroadter voted similarly on the above-listed bills but did not vote on some because he was listed in the public record as not voting in numerous roll-call votes.

Both representatives voted to allow guns in the State House and on college campuses, bills which were opposed by all law enforcement agencies. Votes by these representatives regarding redistricting denied us fair representation in Concord, forcing us to share three representatives with Newfields and, in another case, we also will share a single representative with Stratham, Newfields and Exeter. Newmarket should have three representatives by itself.

In summary, both representatives are wrong for us and I ask the voters to look beyond the many roadside signs, and instead look at their records before you vote. Signs do not tell you what a candidate stands for in this election. What do you really know about their records? What they do in Concord should be in our best interests and not in the interests of the far right. This is not what Newmarket is about. We are a caring community and their votes do not support our caring community. Replace these representatives with individuals who will not support the radical agenda of Speaker O'Brien. Please vote on Tuesday, November 6th.

Dennis AbbottNewmarketFormer State Representative

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was implemented by President Abraham Lincoln to fund the Civil War. During this same period in American History, Lincoln built the Intercontinental Railroad, the Land Grant College System, which includes UNH, and expanded Civil Rights. He was a man of principle who had the courage to tax and spend. Why are New Hampshire Republicans so reactionary? Why have they left the Party of Lincoln? The answer is found in their words and actions. They won't tax. They won't spend. They sponsor legislation that will hold future generations captive by forbidding an income tax or sales tax. Why are New Hampshire Republicans so deeply entrenched in partisan-pledge based politics? How have they moved so right of center? Clearly, President Lincoln would never have won the Civil War if he had not pursued a moderate course of action that built coalitions and reached across party lines.For Public Education to Grow…. For Jobs to Grow…. For Road, Rail, and Bridge Infrastructure to Grow…. For HealthCare to be there when you need it…. I pledge to speak in a moderate tone, follow a moderate course of action and listen to the needs of all constituents. If you are an Independent, Moderate Republican, or a Democrat, your vote will empower me to carry your message of civility, concern, compassion, and compromise to Concord. Sincerely, David P. MillerWard 2-3 (District 23) Representative.

I trust Foster's had the opportunity to view the mail out cards being sent to registered independents by the David Watters campaign before choosing to endorse him for the Senate in District 4. As an independent, I received those political advertisements and was incredulous as to what was written. Professor Watters has chosen to attack his opponent in the most disagreeable fashion by labeling her and her supporters as "extremists." I support Phyllis Woods in her campaign for this senate seat, and I take it as a personal affront for having been labeled as an extremist for doing so. Furthermore, Professor Watters exclaims that Ms. Woods accuses a woman who practices birth control as not being a "real woman." I challenge him to provide proof of such an absurd accusation. I further question the professor as to whether or not this is how he conducts himself in his classroom, by attempting to impugn the integrity of those who hold an opinion or opinions different than his own. Apparently David Watters can conduct a backdoor campaign of mudslinging while those who choose to endorse him in the press can do so via rhetorical claims of his ability to make decisions "driven by knowledge and a desire for consensus." This is one voter who recognizes that consensus cannot be obtained by unequivocally alienating the opposition.